Home > Update on Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) in Port River

10 April 2018

PIRSA and the SA Oyster Growers’ Association are pleased to advise that samples from all of South Australia’s commercial oyster growing areas have tested negative to the Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) virus.

"Boat operators and owners in the Port River area have been very supportive in taking all steps to reduce the risk of the virus spreading beyond the river, and PIRSA thanks them for that. Continued vigilance on best practice to keep hulls clean and reduce biofouling is important.

"We remind the public that removal of any bivalve shellfish such as oysters, mussels, cockles and Razorfish from the Port River area, including West Lakes, is still prohibited by law at this time.”

The SA Oyster Growers' Association thanks everybody for their support and said that really buoyed the state’s oyster growers during this difficult time.

Full details available www.pir.sa.gov.au/alerts_news_events/news/fisheries_and_aquaculture/sas_commercial_oysters_declared_poms-free

20 March 2018

Update on Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) in South Australia and the Port River from PIRSA (20 March 2018).

PIRSA continues to work closely with the oyster industry and is continuing to monitor and test oysters from South Australia’s oyster growing areas, following the detection of the POMS virus in feral oysters in Adelaide’s Port River on February 28.

The focus remains on reducing the Pacific Oyster population and virus load in the Port River, where the POMS virus has been detected.

The virus poses no threat to food safety or human health, and recreational Port River users are not at any risk.

PIRSA wants to thank communities and local councils along the Port River and West Lakes for your continued support in helping to contain the virus to the river.

Please remember:

• The ban on the removal of bivalve shellfish (oysters, cockles, mussels, razorfish) remains in place until further notice. Bivalves cannot be taken from the Port River for any purpose including bait or berley.

• Ensure vessel hulls are clean and remove plants and animals from fishing and boating equipment and clothing so you don’t transfer pests and diseases to other waterways.

• Where possible, wash boats and equipment with light household detergent, rinse with tap water without letting the water drain into waterways, and importantly dry completely before moving to another waterway.

• Never use seafood sold for human consumption as bait or berley.

POMS is a notifiable disease and must be immediately reported. Report suspicion of POMS to Fishwatch on 1800 065 522. Further information and a map are available at www.pir.sa.gov.au/poms.

PIRSA will continue to monitor and test oysters in the Port River, and any other possible areas of risk. All strategies to mitigate the risk of spread of the virus are being investigated.

Please contact PIRSA directly with any enquiries on 1800 065 522. Find out more on the PIRSA website http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/aquaculture/aquatic_animal_health/pacific_oyster_mortality_syndrome/port_river_outbreak_2018_feral_oysters